We’re a non-profit climate change think tank which uses data analysis to build evidence-based campaigns on climate policy
We focus on EU policies such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon border adjustment mechanisms and emissions reductions in industrial sectors. We believe in Europe’s ability to lead climate action by example and use its large market and ability to stimulate technological competition as an incentive for others to follow. But we’re also aware of the risk that Europe might fail to deliver on its own pledges, which is why we want to get EU climate policy right.
Our Work
Carbon Pricing
Our research on the EU ETS and emission allowances, advocating for efficient carbon pricing mechanisms and concrete ways to drive emission reductions.
Industry
Exploring the potential of electrification, circularity, and innovative technologies to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, aluminium, and cement.
CBAM
Supporting a strong CBAM to phase out the allocation of free emission allowances, address carbon leakage, and accelerate global climate action.
Climate Financing
Our analysis of EU funding initiatives driving climate innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Ensuring revenues from the EU ETS and CBAM are well spent.
Data Tools
Our data visualisation and simulation tools, allowing EU policymakers to gain unique insights and implement informed climate policies.
Publications
CEPS-Sandbag Joint Op-Ed – The EU should lead the green steel race… Or it could be left behind in the dust
A wave of low-carbon steel projects should be launched across the EU by 2030 but how commercially viable they are is still to be seen. According to Agora Industry, two critical factors underpin this...
From Niche to Mainstream: Shaping Demand for Green Steel
This report on the demand for green steel examines the impact of steel production using low-carbon technologies further down the value chain. Key Takeaways Due to weak carbon prices and high...
Joint letter calling for separate emissions reductions and permanent CDR targets in EU 2040 climate framework
Sandbag co-signed an open letter sent to the European Commission by 114 leading academics, businesses, civil society organisations and research institutions urging the EU to set explicit and...
Updating of the EU ETS free allocation rules: Polluting for free during a climate crisis
In this joint op-ed, first featured in Carbon Pulse, Sandbag policy officer Aymeric Amand and Carbon Market Watch policy expert Lidia Tamellini examine the revision of the Free Allocation...
European Commission lets recycled steel down in regulation proposal
Sandbag and 12 other organisations – representing important environmental NGOs, think tanks and the European recycling industry – have co-signed a letter addressed to Members of the European...
Flat Steel in the Free Allocation Regulation
Following the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive in April 2023, the European Commission was mandated to review the Free Allocation Regulation, which establishes the...
Upcoming policy developments
February
6 February: European Commission to publish its Communication on the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (cf. CCS/U strategy).
6 February: First Climate Change Expert Group meeting on aviation.
8 February: End of first European Hydrogen Bank auction.
19 February: Political trilogue on the Carbon Removals Certification Framework.
March
4 March: Energy Council
26 March: Ministerial level meeting: Towards a climate neutral and resilient society in 2050
End of March: end of scrutiny period of FAR by Parliament and Council
First Quarter of 2024
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the reform of the EU’s Electricity Market Design (EMD)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
Final vote of the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)
TESTIMONIALS
Sandbag is recognised as a top global climate think-tank
WHAT WE DO
TOOLS
PUBLICATIONS
NEWSLETTER
Mundo-b Matogné. Rue d'Edimbourg 26, Ixelles 1050 Belgium.
Sandbag is a not-for-profit (ASBL) organisation registered in Belgium under the number 0707.935.890.
EU transparency register no. 277895137794-73.
VAT: BE0707935890.